Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup warms the soul. With its hearty ingredients and simple preparation, you can easily recreate that beloved restaurant experience right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to serve a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices, fresh vegetables, and hearty beans creates a rich and satisfying taste that will impress your family and friends.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize your Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli by adding more veggies or adjusting the spices according to your taste preferences.
- Nutritious Meal: With lean ground beef, beans, and plenty of vegetables, this soup is not only tasty but also nutritious.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare this Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Soup pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Soup pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for simmering soups evenly while allowing all flavors to meld beautifully.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife ensures precise chopping of ingredients like onions and carrots for uniform cooking.
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your cookware while providing good control during cooking.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli:
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled & chopped finely)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
Canned Goods
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 (14 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (14 ounce) can cannellini beans or great northern beans (drained)
Broth and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta
- 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
Final Touches
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
How to Make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Add the beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven. Cook over medium-high heat until just browned, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks. I don’t drain the fat.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Stir in the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Beans
Add in the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, canned beans, chicken broth, red wine vinegar, sugar, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat. Let the soup simmer covered with the lid slightly open for 15-20 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta in and continue to simmer until it’s tender (about 15-20 minutes). Cover again with the lid slightly ajar. Stir occasionally so that pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. If you expect leftovers, consider cooking pasta separately.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Season with salt & pepper as needed before serving.
This recipe serves six people and brings together comforting flavors in a lovely bowl of soup. Enjoy!
How to Serve Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Serving Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can elevate the dining experience, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance this comforting soup.
With Crusty Bread
- Freshly baked bread is a classic pairing. Serve slices of crusty Italian bread or a soft baguette for dipping.
Topped with Parmesan Cheese
- A generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty flavor and extra richness to the soup.
Accompanied by a Side Salad
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette pairs well, balancing the hearty flavors of the soup.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Adding chopped parsley or basil as a garnish brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
Served in Bread Bowls
- For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun and edible serving option.
How to Perfect Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
To achieve restaurant-quality Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality broth will enhance the flavor significantly.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Add more salt, pepper, or spice depending on your preference.
- Cook Pasta Separately: If you plan on leftovers, cook pasta separately and add to individual servings to prevent sogginess.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer longer builds deeper flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes if time permits.
- Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for added texture and variety.
- Store Properly: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
Pairing side dishes with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:
- Garlic Bread: This buttery, garlicky delight complements the soup perfectly and is great for dipping.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with Caesar dressing adds crunch and flavor to your meal.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make an excellent finger food that pairs well with the flavors of the soup.
- Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a fresh contrast.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil is a refreshing starter before enjoying your soup.
- Antipasto Platter: An assortment of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables offers variety and richness alongside the soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli at home can be easy, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long in the soup can lead to mushy noodles. Add it towards the end of cooking for perfect texture.
- Ignoring seasoning: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can result in bland soup. Remember to season with salt and pepper during cooking for a balanced flavor.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect the overall taste. Opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Skipping the simmering step: Rushing through cooking without allowing the soup to simmer reduces flavor development. Let it simmer covered for rich, deep flavors.
- Not planning for leftovers: If you anticipate having leftovers, cook pasta separately. This prevents soggy noodles when reheating.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli in an airtight container.
- It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Freezing Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Use freezer-safe containers to prevent freezer burn.
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, usually 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli.
What is Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli is a hearty Italian-American soup made with ground beef, beans, and pasta in a rich tomato broth.
How long does it take to make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?
This delicious soup takes about 40 minutes total—10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time.
Can I make Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or extra beans and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What toppings go well with Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli?
Consider adding grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor.
Can I customize the Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to adjust ingredients based on your preferences—add more veggies or spices as desired!
Final Thoughts
This Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli recipe is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for cozy nights or family gatherings. Experiment with different beans or spices to make it your own!
Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Olive Garden Pasta e Fagioli, a soul-warming Italian soup that combines rich tomatoes, hearty beans, and tender pasta. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. In just 40 minutes, you can create a satisfying bowl of goodness that rivals your favorite restaurant experience. Packed with nutritious ingredients like lean ground beef and fresh vegetables, this flavorful soup is not only filling but also ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 sticks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) red kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) cannellini beans, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3/4 cup uncooked ditalini pasta
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
- Add chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic; sauté for 8-10 minutes until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in diced and crushed tomatoes, drained beans, chicken broth, vinegar, sugar, and seasonings. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes.
- Add ditalini pasta and continue simmering until cooked through (about 15-20 minutes). Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
